18th November 2017 Pack away day
Reduced turnout due to one thing and another however we wish Alan S a full recovery as he is still suffering from his fall last time. Attendees were Alan A Bob David D Jamie Richard Dave MB Peter and June as usual supplied Tea & cakes.
Alan A. and Peter continued with the carriage shed roof fixing 15 more panels before “ALAN” declared lunch at 13:00 more panels will have to be purchased as there are not enough at present to complete the roof. (We may have done more after lunch but it started to rain + Alan A is having trouble with his other knee which he should have an operation on this side of Christmas).
Bob David D Richard & Jamie dismantled the signals and after lunch these were stored as usual. Richard corrected signal SY1 not showing green it does now. Apparently this has never been reported by any drivers except Cliff who by the way arrived after lunch had been declared! Cliff helped with the signal putting away. Bob worked in Baytree the result of which is that Dingly / Old Oak are no longer daisy chained to Baytree. (In time Old Oak will no longer be daisy chained to Dingly). Dave MB did a LOT of leaf blowing collecting and depositing on the bonfire.
Two locomotives ventured out today Clan Line & 7163 however neither were in steam. Tank engine 7163 came out for a final clean & tubing ahead of its storage over the Winter. Unfortunately Clan Line was just in the way. Two drain cock pipes were removed from 7163 because they were found to be squashed & pinched & have not been working very well. We all left by 15:30
Thanks to Peter Jamie and Dave MB for the news contributions as both David G and I were away.
4th November 2017 End of running season
Damp start ran a few locomotives fish and chips ending with fireworks.
This time of year many leaves to clear from the line using the blowers and wheel barrows. Heather scraped the ballast from the top of the sleepers in the Old Oak area to allow them to breath and dry out a bit. Alan S fixed a few more tiles to the carriage shed roof but had to stop when he had an unfortunate accident and fell from the ladder which moved. We wish him a a speedy recovery and not too many bruises. The trailing point when leaving Dingly Dell which was a cause for concern last meeting was investigated and found to be obstructed by ballast. Once the offending ballast was removed the point provided fault free running today.
After running we had the traditional end of running season fish and chips followed by fireworks. This year we volunteered Peter to buy the fireworks as his efforts last year were excellent and this year proved to be just as good. We had fewer fireworks but the quality was much better brighter louder bangs and more spectacular a good social gathering. Thanks to June and family for the many teas and cakes especially as I forgot my rolls for lunch.
Loco news
Five locomotive ventured out today and were Spinney Electric Clan Line Kate LMS 7163 and King Jack. The Spinney electric was used prior to running to lay rail adhesion Dave MB drove whilst I leant over the back of a driving truck. King Jack was last to steam but did make it out before it got dark. Clan Line decided it wanted to split a set of points at Dingly Dell and had to be lifted to be re-railed. We must get a proper re railing device or use wood and leverage as none of us are getting any younger and I can feel my back complaining. Both Henry and Annika were observed driving at Old Oak. Mick blew Kate down for the winter whilst Jamie looked at jobs required on LMS 7163 and has taken the grate home to remake in stainless.
S & T
Signal boxes controlled by:- Dingley - Bob Baytree - Adrian Spinney - Richard and Old Oak - Peter then David D. No problems reported today. The illuminated signals looked good in the dark.
Next time
Pack up the signals and start winter maintenance.
22nd October 2017 We visit Ingfield
After a few false starts a date was finally set and what a day we had. Ingfield certainly made us very welcome and virtually gave us their railway starting with bacon sandwiches and tea and coffee on tap. We all managed to have not only a ride but a drive or two. In addition to the friends in the photos above Dave's family Tom and Laurie and Shaun were present later in the day. Just like the Spinney we stopped for tea and cakes and straight back to running. Plenty of locomotives bought out for our pleasure (maybe we could try this at the Spinney) consisting of both passenger and freight trains. A great day had by all a really enjoyable day thank you Ingfield.
21st October 2017 Infield visit us
Awful weather forecast slippery start visit from Infield and Lions charity Midlands model exhibition and Cliff was the controller for the day.
The weekend of railways started with the Midlands Model engineering show at Leamington Spa. This is more of a social event and I met Bob Mike H Dave M Andy N Joe Paul Tomkins plus many more. Also present were John Munday and Glyn Dando who expressed to Bob that they send their best wishes. If the weather forecast was anything to go by we were in for a wet day however we had a shower at lunchtime then OK for the rest of the day which was good news for the visitors but meant we had a slippery start. Rail adhesion was applied to the rails which helped immensely however as Nick’s 33029 Charlie does not have running boards he said he was wearing most of it. The picture on the left shows the new sign made by Peter but can anyone spot what's different about it compared to the other signal boxes? The picture above shows a historic moment with the Grand opening of David's wallet something many of us have never seen before.
Loco news
Six locomotives on track today and were L94 Eileen Grant Clan Line Kate Charlie 33029 and T9 number 117. Jamie with the help from Alan S re-tapped the holes around the dome and then reaffixed the dome. LMS 7163 was then steamed and driven to Dingly at back as a test run.
Visitors
Today we had visitors from Infield and Lions charity who are looking at visiting us next year and came to experience what the railway could offer. They went away having enjoyed themselves. The Infield visit finally happened after many false starts and they too enjoyed their day bringing along a T9 numbered 117 which ran both on its own and double headed with L94 or Clan Line. Pictures show them driving on the railway.
S & T
Signal boxes were operated as follows:- Dingly - Bob Spinney - Richard Adrian and guests Baytree - Robin and Old Oak - Peter. Picture shows the guests throwing themselves into the signalling and Adrian and Richard sat back for a while. The pictures section has been updated and in case you were wondering what is different about the Dingly Dell sign all the other signal box names are white lettering on a black back ground the opposite to this one.
Next time
We had a track defect on a point at Dingly which caused a few derailments and this will need attention before trains run over them again. A change to the advertised day as con census of opinion is that we do not run trains but pack away the signals have fish and chips followed by fireworks subject to the weather.
7th October 2017
What they call a slow news day where not much happened and the pace of the day never broke above snail pace. The day started with the seasonal leaf clearing and the Old Oak turntable was washed to remove all the dirt that had accumulated over the years. We had three visitors about lunchtime David G gave them a whirlwind tour of the site and told them to keep up (Typical teacher instincts). Alan A invited them for a trip around the railway and after an hour we managed to run a train or two. I think we will be seeing them again next year. Dave MB turned up and was asked if he would sign the visitors book. Dave took it in good stead and even got his mobile phone out to confirm he was at the correct location. David G volunteered to be controller today and had a relatively easy time. I only managed to take these four pictures and did not manage to get any trains moving especially towards the end where Millie the dog had her first train ride. As can be seen in the pictures there was a lot of standing around and chatting.
Loco news
Four locomotive out today and were L94 Bobside (Dave M new locomotive) Kate and at the end the Spinney electric managed a circuit. Jamie came prepared to refix the steam dome but unfortunately the wrong size bolts had been purchased so hopefully better luck next time. Bobside was hydraulic and steam tested today with successful results.
S & T news
Richard and Adrian say they have found the fault in the Spinney box which has been on going for the last few meetings but have now rectified it. Bob was not present and we manned the signal boxes with some unusual faces and were as follows:- Dingly - Peter Spinney - Richard and Adrian Baytree - Cliff and Old Oak - David G and Dave MB learning under the watchful eye from everyone.
Carriage shed project
Alan S and Peter managed to put a few more roofing felt strips on the carriage shed. Hopefully this process can be completed before the bad weather sets in.
Next time
Next time Cliff will be controller and we have the Infield group visiting us.
26th September 2017
Apologies of absence received from David D and Dave MB AKA Lord Lucan good weather until the pack up and several visiting guests. David D and Sue are at Foxton Lock where there is a festival. Heather and I met David and Sue on the Friday on our way home from Nottingham showing us around his 1935 narrow boat and the area. David MB once again cited work as the reason for not being able to attend and hopefully one day his bosses will allow him a weekend off I will include a picture next time so that we can remember what you look like. We had guests from London Underground and East Herts Railway. Alan A & S Jamie Dave M Heather and Robin helped clear the leaves from the rails and I expect there will be more next time as it is the season for it. Richard and Adrian tested the signals were in working order. Thanks to Alan A for the many pictures which can be viewed here and in the pictures section and June for the teas. Picture above also shows that Cliff was so busy steaming up when he arrived he had to have lunch on the move. The picture on the left shows the excitement that today bought to some. The weather was good until we packed up when the heavens opened up and hail made us find shelter.
Loco news
Dave M has built a new locomotive called Bobside which is a Holmside chassis with a doubled Robroy boiler. He made it up in his head and had help from Jamie who converted his sketch into a pdf drawing so Tom could water jet the tanks and cab. The tanks cab and other fittings ect. were made to fit the chassis. We look forward to seeing it steam around Spinney. Also Dave had his Std5 locomotive 73115 steam tested which was successful.
Seven locomotives on track today were L94 L33 Jesse Scot 6109 Spinney electric No1 Charlie 33029 and D4092 (350 shunter). Jamie worked on his LMS 7163 loco replacing the gasket to the turret. This like all engineering projects was not straight forward and a screw had to be drilled out thanks to Tom for his assistance. Class 20 sound system failed and Alan A assisted Mick with diagnosing the fault results not known. Robin bought along his class 350 shunter number D4092 but unfortunately after one trip from Old Oak to Baytree that too failed and was taken home for investigation. L33 battery electric London Underground locomotive had a good run and had a lot of interest.
S & T news
Spinney 9B points have been secured in the reverse position and will need to be placed on the winter maintenance list. It may be a voltage problem but will need investigating and rectifing. David G invited some guests from London Underground. They all have been or are signallers on the underground and Tim left LU to become a university professor and was most taken spending most of the day in Spinney where the experience brought back memories of his younger days. Two of the guests had a drive of the Scot and a picture has been added to the pictures section.
News extra 8th & 9th September 2017
This weekend has seen the Cockcrow annual gala East Herts railway and continuation on the carriage shed project.
Top lefthand picture shows Heather at Hardwick with Dave M in the background. As can be seen it was a wet start to the day but the weather improved and made a nice day forecast was worse than that. Not many locomotives on the Friday which meant a good run round each time. Also present on the Friday was David G Richard and Jamie. I believe Nick attended on the Saturday. David G seems to have all track circuits occupied a busy station. Also on Saturday Mick C took his class 20 to the East Herts railway at Ware where he ran it for the afternoon completing about 20 circuits with about 10 people a time. Whilst we were playing trains Alan A and Peter were working at Spinney starting to add the roofing felt tiles to the carriage shed.
19th August 2017
During the week leading up to the meeting I met someone who said his father used to own a garden railway. To cut a long story short I was speaking to Josh who works for Balfour Beatty and is the son of Hugh - small world as we had met at Effingham MPV depot. We had twenty one guests today fourteen from a Marlow society and some of their members live nearby. One guest came in his Riley car and it was interesting to observe how different it was to drive compared to modern vehicles. The owner was also able to provide us with its history and demonstrated the method to pressurise the fuel tank just so it could get to the engine. How things have changed. Very good weather plenty of trains followed by a BBQ. Thanks to June and Andrew for the refreshments Alan A for the many pictures and Robin as the controller for the day.
We had a very successful day it was one of the busiest we've had in recent times. There were as many trains as signals because at some stages we seemed to have a train at each one and nearly every track circuit occupied at Spinney.
Locomotive news
The four pictures above show that we had a record number of guest 'trainee' drivers and still managed to run enough passenger trains to keep everyone happy. Robin knew my guest Phil as they both previously worked for Eurostar another chance meeting.
Nine locomotives on track today and were:- Scott Line L94 Kate Class 20 Spinney electric loco George V 4-4-0 Scot 6109 LMS 7163 Clan Line. George V derailed on points leaving Old Oak run round siding cause unknown.
S & T news
With so many trains out and about it became a juggling act for the signallers who were all kept very busy especially Spinney and Old Oak as Old Oak suffered from power supply fault causing the supply MCB to trip numerous times. This caused signals to revert to danger sometimes whilst trains were approaching them. Andrew and David G were at hand to trace the fault to a timer. Old Oak also had a derailment (see above) so David D was very busy. If it gets any busier he may need a booking boy.
Carriage shed news
Between meetings Alan A had mostly covered the carriage shed roof with felt leaving one more strip as can be seen in the picture. The roof became slippery so a baton was fixed allowing us to get some grip (just remember where the camera man is). Right hand picture shows David D fixing some sleepers to the new point and Robin pointing out that he has missed one. Point will lead into the new shed. Robin and Nick have taken away some rail to form into point blades. Good progress.
Next time
As a result of shuffling around of dates and Cockcrow Gala we have a 4 week gap and I have volunteered to be controller.
5th August 2017 Friends and Families day
Another wet forecast (and no I am not starting with fake news again) with thundery showers. Some of you said that as they were not at the last meeting they started to believe the fake news until reading further on. Mick C was once again the controller as he had nothing to do last time. The two pictures above show the general start to the proceedings but it did clear up. Thankfully only two major showers with thunder and lightning and then a reasonable day for running trains followed by a BBQ. Today was Friends and Families day and 21 guests were signed in the visitors book a good turn out. Alan A treated the Old Oak signal box and as per the first line it was heavily tested against the elements. Alan S wanted to start the fitting the roofing felt to the carriage shed roof but with the downpours this made the wood wet and progress could not be made. Hopefully next time the weather will be suitable for progress. Not a good summer so far. Pictures show that the signal boxes were the best places to be and were quite full at times. Robin added some new sleepers to the track as can be seen in the picture. Thanks to June for the refreshments.
Seven locomotives on track today and were:- L94 Scott Line 33029 Eileen Grant Clan Line King Jack Class 20. All did driver experiences so many of the guests managed to drive. One SPaD today my fault as both my drivers and my glasses steamed up and by the time I had wiped them sufficiently to see it was too late so we proceeded at caution. The guests seemed to have enjoyed themselves despite the weather and were observed having picnics under the trees.
From the good number of guests at least half of them stayed for at the BBQ so a good attendance all round. The two dogs Millie and Sophie were kept entertained all day by three young boys who never seemed to run out of energy. Alan A showed Hugh and wife around especially the new carriage shed project.
David managed to get himself and Sue pictured in the newspaper for inland waterways called Towpath and was pictured at the annual rally and festival held at Braunston (same name as a steam locomotive).
Next time better weather please.
22nd July 2017
Whilst the weather forecast looked grim the Spinney avoided the heavy rain and had summer blue skies for most of the time. For those that braved the weather forecast had a really enjoyable time and thanks to June for the tea and cakes. Mick C was controller and had an easy time.
Locomotives on track today were Jesse L94 Scott Line and Kate. No visitors today as they all cancelled so it was a quiet afternoon.
No shortage of signallers and no faults reported.
OK enough of the fake news - It rained rained and rained - British summer time.
22nd July 2017 a wet day
A very wet summers day where all guest had cancelled and no trains ran. Dave MB e mailed to say he would not be present as he was going on holiday I hope it is not camping in tents. We constantly checked the weather forecast on our mobiles but the outlook remained the same - rain rain and more rain. I did suggest we sit in the BBQ area and I write the news stating we had a BBQ (fake news) but in reality we spent most of the time in the Old Oak carriage shed which was used as a meeting / tea room. Mick C was in charge today and group opinion was not to run so we advised Mick he would have an easy day Mick is good at decision making - it just happens. Cliff arrived so we had lunch in the carriage shed which must be a first difference being that we did not stop for lunch as we had not started anything except for Peter who pruned a bush and re installed the guttering to Old Oak signal box. June Eric and Louise were involved with the tea and cake duties thanks to them and we could not be further away from the house if we tried. Thanks to Eric for taking the group picture the only person missing is Cliff who was working on Clan Line at the time. This is the second time this year where we have had enough signallers but no trains and I cannot remember this happening - not once or even twice in previous years. I remember running in the pouring rain when High Wycombe made a visit a few years ago. Signallers and controller Mick C reported no operating problems which goes to show that it is easier not to run trains. Richard fixed an intermittent fault at Dingly. After a good social meeting full of chat we departed at approx 14.00.
Next time is friends and families day
8th July 2017
Sorry for the delay in writing this but I have been out driving steam trains and therefore relying on memory more than usual so sorry if I have missed something. Robin was controller for the day and organised the usual requirements to run the railway but had to leave after tea. The day started with finishing the reroofing of Old Oak signal box and was completed using the felt strips made to look like tiles. Thanks to June (pictured delivering the tea) and Robin for submitting material for the news. Pictures left and below show the usual Worker to onlooker / supervisor ratio. The day ended with a BBQ where we all had a chat with a bit of humour thrown in even if it was by mobile phone from one table to another good one Mick.
Loco news
Six locomotives on track today and were Clan Line L94 Scott line Kate Standard 5 (73115) and Class 20 and all ran well. Charlie 33029 steamed but suffered boiler clack problems so never ventured out from the loco shed. Old Oak had a water supply problem resulting in a temporary hose passing over the track at Dingly down to Old Oak. David G set upon trying to fix the problem and believes the water butt at Dingly has silted up blocking the pipe to Old Oak. Lefthand picture shows Laurie driving Scott Line and is the first time I have seen Laurie drive. Obviously driven well and dare Tom to say it was down to his excellent instructions!!
S & T news
Picture shows Robin and wife Jenny in Baytree box perhaps another time we could have Nick in the frame as well to make it a family run signal box. Signalling ran fairly well but did have the following fault Baytree junction point BE4 has been playing up and in the process of making adjustments the set screw in the block that operates the normal detection microswitch sheared off. However it worked ok on Saturday and hopefully it will last the rest of the season but it will need attention in the winter. The detection unreliability is mainly due to the switch blades being loose on the tie bar and Robin has put this on his list of jobs to do next time he attends which will now be friends and families day (5th August). As they are facing points hopefully the blades are not too loose to cause a derailment.
Carriage Shed Project
Alan S with help from Tom continued to progress with the carriage shed and now has three upper roads installed. These are slightly inclined so that the wagons will roll to the front to make unloading easier. Alan S said he will design a stop device to prevent the wagons from rolling too far. It is planned that the roof will have the same appearance as the Old Oak signal box. The carriage shed is looking very good and it will not be long before Robin gets the chance to connect the rails to the unloading ramp line then David D will be busy shunting wagons. Robin has already reduced the curvature on the existing point which was noticeably easier to pass locomotives over.
Next time
Some vegetation has taken advantage of the sun and rain and now fouls the running line and restricts the view of some signals. It would be a good idea to walk the track and prune where necessary. We also have some visitors. Mick C will be controller next time.
17th June 2017 The hottest day of the year
Today clashed with Cockcrow friends and families day which meant some could not be in two places at once whilst others had various reasons for not attending on this glorious fine hot day (hottest this year). I suffered the roads more like car parks (45 mins on the Staines by pass) whilst I endeavoured to get Heather to Heathrow Airport then make a return trip. Eight friends managed to attend and concentrated on maintenance and no loco running. Thanks to Robin Adrian Dave MB and Peter for sending me pictures (so many that I cannot use them all and unfortunately some were a bit dark) and brief over view of todays events and thanks also to June who supplied tea and orange on this very hot day. Robin was controller and had the very unusual situation where he had enough signallers but no trains!!!! Don’t think this situation has arisen before and I reminisce my BR days during the 80’s train driver strikes. As usual Cliff arrived so everyone stopped for lunch as per customary practice.
Robin moved the new shed points towards the loading bay to ease the curvature and hopefully eliminate some of the problems that some big engines have had this should also help Clan Line negotiate this area. If anyone needs to load locos before next meeting this should be used with care as there are still some sleepers to fit and ballasting to do.
Today started with Peter hitching up the small trailer (Alan A) and a group transferred a pallet of roofing felt rolls to near the rear of the carriage shed.
Alan A and Peter worked on re-roofing Old Oak signal box and Peter gave the outside a coat of stain. David D won't know himself next time! Alan A started to remove the roof felt and chipboard from Old Oak S.B. Peter assisted with this and completed it as Alan A. treated T & G.V. boards ready for re-roofing Peter tidied up and applied as far as possible clear preservative to all exposed roof timbers followed by red cedar preservative to the rest of Old Oak signal box. Next 2 x 2 planed timber was secured to each end of the roof Alan and Peter then proceeded to clad the roof with the T & G V completing one side. Alan A will complete and will probably throw a tarpaulin over the roof ready to felt next time.
Richard Adrian and Bob did signalling repairs and alterations and Adrian reports that the yellow lamp in SY6R was OK but the cabling wasn't; it works now!.
Although we didn't have any engines in operation several members were gently steaming - it was said to be the hottest day of the year. Alan S aided by Dave MB carried on with the carriage shed fitting the verticals to give the roof added support and provide a structure for the upper deck.
Normal service is expected to resume next time.
3rd June 2017 Derby Day
Various jobs completed in the morning pruning of vegetation which was much needed wood all cleared from drive and stored in carriage shed and continuation of project to add more boarding to the roof. Not quite finished but nearly there. Alan S sent me two unusual views as they were taken from the carriage shed roof which I have added above and in the pictures section. My lifting trolley has failed so I was unable to bring a loco but thanks to Jamie and Peter for offering to help but as it is Derby Day there was no chance of getting anywhere near my place. Jamie would have repeated a journey experience that he had a few weeks ago. David G was controller and I took over whilst he steamed Eileen to keep things going. We had a slight water issue as the drain pipe did not align with the water container so all the rain that we have recently had just washed the outside of the water container. This meant the container had to be filled which took some time and for the water to feed Dingly Dell and Old Oak. David G tried his syphoning skills by sucking the Old Oak water pipe and eventually got the water to flow. Several jokes made at what could have been in the water but not repeatable here. June as usual kept us fed and watered on this fine weathered day. We had 12 guests comprising of friends of Peter and the Marlow Railway Society so we provided passenger trains which they used and then took to photographing the days movements. Mike H e mailed some of us explaining he is getting old and may not be able to visit as often as he does. We really hope he gets bored at home and visits us as much as he can so we can listen to his yarns and have a good chat without the pressure of feeling that he has to do something.
Loco news
Six locomotives on track today and were LMS 7163 Royal Scot Kate Class 20 33029 Charlie and Eileen. A good number of locomotive providing rides for our guests. After the guests had left the class 20 ran with the freight wagons and a picture of this has been added to the pictures section. Nick has adjusted his suspension on 33029 and today it ran fault free so a good job done. Cliff collected Clan Line on Friday so as to run at the Clan Line AGM held at Mizens Farm near Woking where it created a lot of interest. Cliff returned the locomotive at the end of the day.
S & T news
Signallers today were Dingy Dell - Peter and David D Baytree - Richard Spinney - Robin then David G after tea and Old Oak - Heather and myself then closed after tea as we were driving Kate after that. Thanks to Robin for his guidance via mobile phone and David D who I can only say was promoted to Signalling supervisor and kept a check on both Peter and I well done to both of you for your patience. Despite that trains ran quite well and the whole railway was operational. A points failure was reported at Spinney and rectified by Richard and David G and the yellow aspect at Spinney 6R failed and Richard has removed it for repair or renewal. Bob and Mike H not present today as they were enjoying a model exhibition spending money I expect.
Next time
Please can you show your attendance status on the web site as the next meeting clashes with the Cockcrow friends and family plus usual things that get in the way such as holidays and it will be nice to see how many of us will attend. Robin will be the controller next time.
20th May 2017
M3 closed again for the weekend but this time we were prepared and we all made it in via various routes. Looking through the e mails Jamie was advised to leave the night before (see previous news). After a few rain showers at midday the sun shone and made it a very good day to run the railway and entertain the guests. Mick C was the controller and invited seven guests from work who all had rides with some having the chance to drive adding to their enjoyment. A good turnout of friends and along with the guests resulted with a drive full of vehicles. Naturally those people that wanted to leave after tea were parked at the wrong end and a lot of vehicle shunting was required to get them out. Richard Smoothy from Cockcrow also visited and was seen driving the Royal Scot.
Loco news
Both Royal Scot and L94 had their hydraulic and steam tests which both passed successfully. Seven locomotives out on track during the day and were:- L94 Clan Line Kate Eileen Grant LMS 7163 Royal Scot 6109 and Class 20. Jamie had to brake hard when a signal reverted to danger in front of him and unfortunately he did not know his own strength and sheared the pin connecting the brake lever to the brake mechanism therefore leaving him with no mechanical braking. Tom drove Kate for about 50 feet then had the enviable task of cleaning the loco. All other locomotives ran well.
S & T news
The signal boxes were operated by: Dingly Dell - Peter and Mike H Baytree – Bob Old Oak – David D Spinney – Richard Adrian and guests. Richard’s two guests took part in operating Spinney signal box under supervision from Richard or Adrian and the right hand picture shows the team in action. Spinney signal number 1 would not clear to route trains into the loop Adrian advised that cause was a connection in the signal box and fixed. Baytree number 5 signal would not clear and this was traced to number 4 points not detected due to a slightly bent rail Bob investigated and fixed shows detection worked. Left hand picture shows Tom’s better half (have to say that) doing an extremely good job operating Old Oak signal box under the supervision of David D and shows Laurie handing the token to Heather. David D says it will be a two person’s job when the carriage shed opens as traffic flow will increase by 200 percent!!! Cliff e mailed to admit he had his first SPaD for at least 5 years and analysis shows that Clan Line has done more trips in that time than any other loco so he must be close to the driver with the most miles therefore more at risk of having a SPaD. Incident was at Spinney signals 12 & 14 approaching the station. Various excuses were given in an e mail but could have added smoke obscured signals / view wrong place wrong time trying to catch him out poor rail head conditions (even though it was sunny) brake failure steam in super heaters so loco took off etc.
A debate started about the use of the Spinney loop line. If a train is to be stood for a lengthy time perhaps communication between signalman and driver could avert any bad issues and agree what course of action would be best for all.
Next time
There will be 8 members of the Marlow and District Railway Society (MDRS) visiting and Bob and Mike H will not be attending so can we have some signallers please David Grant will be the controller.
6th May 2017
M3 closed due to bridge replacement causing traffic to clog up other roads such as the A3 A31 and M25 to mention a few adding journey times to those of us that have to use those roads. Those that use these roads felt the traffic chaos and Jamie after two and a half hours driving turned around and went home as he could not get to the Spinney. Also not attending were Richard and Alec otherwise a very good turnout and pleasant weather - no rain.
We had another visit from Myke Baigent accompanied by his wife Marion and son Andy and this time they got to see the trains running again it was good to see them.
Jobs completed before running were getting the stock out cleaning signal box windows track alignment checks using the mirror between the tunnels and making the final instalment of the Old Oak point machine. Once again thanks go to June for keeping us fed and watered (Tea and cakes).
The picture on the right shows the unusual situation where Dave M took a picture of me taking a picture of him riding behind the N class locomotive. The picture I took can be seen below right.
Loco news
Eight locomotives on track today and were:-L94 Scott Line Clan line Jesse Standard 5 number 73115 N class 31873 Charlie 33029 and class 20. Slow start to the day and two locomotives suffered damage caused by derailments. Dave M standard 5 derailed and damaged a drain cock (know the situation well) whilst Nicks Charlie 33029 derailed with all wheels off on the bridge. This could have been a lot worse than it was and Nick has taken the locomotive home to investigate and alter as necessary the suspension whilst Dave is working on the drain cock situation. Otherwise the other locomotives ran faultlessly. Due to Old Oak out of use the loco shed was busier than usual with all locomotives requiring to water steam up and share limited track space. The top left picture shows a fine line up of Southern locomotives being prepared for running whilst the top right hand picture shows the N Class in operation and the bottom picture shows Cliff on Jesse captured between the SW sign and the signal.
S & T news
Mike H in Baytree Bob in Dingly (signalling and fixing power supply problem) and Robin and Dave MB in Spinney. Picture shows Dave MB yawning either from jet lag the previous day lack of trains impending disaster or over worked!!!! Robin’s response can be seen on the pictures section Summer running 2017 image 445. As mentioned Bob continued to fix the power supply problem which materialised due to the power supply being left on for several days - no one knows who left it on!! This initially affected the block instruments and telephones were used widely to communicate. The branch to Old Oak was again out of use due to the building work except for the movement of locomotives to and from the unloading bay. As mentioned previously the Old Oak point was finally installed at Number 7B points adjusted and tested to be in full working order.
Carriage shed project
Alan A & S David G and Andrew worked tirelessly all day on this project and the pictures show the advancement with the addition of a roof. This will help keep the area water tight although we have not had much rain lately.
Next time
Carriage shed project on hold and full running expected including use of Old Oak which will be a first for this year. Mick has approximately seven guests and Mick C has volunteered to be the controller.
22nd April First Running day 2017
A very pleasant and sunny day trains ran railway tidied up carriage shed progressed and we had a visitor. As usual thanks to June for the Teas and cakes to keep us going. A group managed to clear the railway from leaves and other obstructions prior to lunch. A bird's nest was found in the first tunnel but no birds spotted whilst the trains ran. The day's events started with a surprise visit from Myke Baigent accompanied by his wife Marion and daughter Alison and it was good to see them again however they did not stay long enough to see the trains running - maybe next time.
A new pictures section has been started and additional pictures can be viewed there.
Group photo 2017
Group photo this year was taken at the carriage shed at Old Oak which is the location where the bulk of the winter work has been. Photo shows left to right inside carriage shed - Alan A Alan S David G Middle row - Timgroupphot David D Nick Robin Mike H Dave MB Peter Cliff June Dave M (with cup) Mick C Front row Jamie Henry Bob Millie and Sophie. Not available were Adrian Alec Heather Richard (although on site) and Tom. It is good to keep an annual historic record of the work and the team involved.
Locomotive news
Six locomotives on track today and were L94 Clan Line Kate 33029 1369 Pannier tank and finally at the end of the day class 20. Nick and Robin bought along their new locomotive Charlie 33029 which aroused a lot of interest. Nick ran it as a light locomotive to test its performance but unfortunately Nick had an issue in maintaining pressure and thought this may be due to the smoke box door seal. Nick has taken the locomotive home to investigate 33029 ran loco first and tender first L94 ran with freight wagons and the others ran with the passenger coaches. Clan Line returned from Winter maintenance and this loco once in steam proved to work well.
S & T news
Mike H continued with the installation and testing of the signal post telephones whilst the signal boxes were operated by:- Dingy Dell - David D Baytree - Bob Spinney - Robin then Richard and Old Oak line was shut to assist the carriage shed project. Richard tested the signals prior to running and installed a temporary wire to signal 10 at Old Oak due to a fault. Running trains today helped check the railway signalling and at the beginning there were some teething problems with a few of the signals mainly due to plugs not being fully inserted. Once they had been fixed no other problems were encountered.
Carriage shed project
As can be seen by the pictures the three slaves (workers) have progressed with the carriage shed measuring cutting and assembling the roof timbers. The roof structure is now nearing completion and more wood is required to be ordered to strengthen the structure prior to getting a roof over the building. Thanks to Alan A & S and David G for committing their time and effort into this project today.
Next time
Alan S has made a lid for the point machine for Old Oak point 7B which I will paint alter internal mechanism and install at the next meeting. Some of the old concrete signal support foundations still need to be moved to the scrap area.